A HOUSING group which serves Dorset has shown its dedication to food banks across the county with a three-figure donation. 

Aster Group has donated £750 to food banks in Weymouth and Portland as well as others in Dorset which provide free and healthy food for people who need it in the area. 

Weymouth food bank, which saw a significant rise in demand last year amid the cost of living crisis, is a volunteer-led charity. 

Jean-Paul Dervley, chairman of Weymouth Foodbank, said: “We were delighted to receive the generous donation from Aster. 

"With the cost-of-living crisis, we have seen a 68 per cent increase in demand for our services in 2022 compared with 2021. 

"Our donations have remained encouraging, but do not meet the level of food we are distributing. We need to buy top-ups, so need financial donations to do this. 

“We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of the community, businesses, churches and individuals. Donations like this from Aster have meant that we have sufficient funds to meet the increased demand.”

Collectively, Aster has now donated more than £13,000 to food banks in its operating areas.

Sarah Durrans, regional operations director at Aster Group, said: “Now more than ever, they are playing a crucial role in supporting vulnerable people in their communities.

“We want to show our appreciation for the work food banks do, particularly at a time when people are struggling with the rising cost-of-living.

“The team at Weymouth Foodbank work selflessly to provide a vital service and we hope this contribution can help that continue.”

Weymouth Foodbank is one of eight food banks across the South and South West which have each received £750, including Andover Foodbank, Ringwood Foodbank, Devizes & District Foodbank, Glastonbury Foodbank, Fair Frome Foodbank, Romsey Foodbank and Portland Foodbank.

Food banks provids a package that aims to offer a variety of tinned foods which offer a nutritional balance such as meat, fish, some pudding items, potatoes, tinned tomatoes, baked beans, and soup.

Their packages are designed to last for three days which can vary depending on if it is catering for an individual, a couple or a family.